Asylum support rates in 2010/11 – call for action

In October 2009 cuts to the levels of support available to certain categories of asylum seeker came into force. Destitute single asylum seekers over 25 years of age were left more than £9 per week worse off and lone parents with one child were denied an increase in their income, in effect leaving them over £2 per week poorer.

The government is currently considering the level of asylum support payments for 2010/11, in line with the usual process for reviewing rates annually. This process is separate from the current consultation on asylum support.

The Refugee Council and other members of the Still Human Still Here coalition are calling on the government to ensure that levels of asylum support in 2010/11 are set at a minimum of 70% of Income Support and no less than £45 a week.

Please contact your MP and ask them to write to the Home Secretary to

• express their concern about the low rates of asylum support and the poverty and destitution experienced by asylum seekers
• seek his commitment to ensuring that levels of asylum support in 2010/11 are set at a minimum of 70% of Income Support and no less than £45 a week for single adults.

1. Download the text of a model letter.
2. Find your MPs name and contact details at WriteToThem.
3. Email or write to your MP, based on the model letter.

Letters are always more effective than emails. Please personalise the email or letter if you have time, as this will give it greater impact.